VAT dos and don'ts

DO account for VAT so you can submit your VAT returns digitally from 1 April 2019

DO keep a monthly record of your turnover - late registration can result in severe penalties and you will be required to pay the VAT whether you have charged it or not

DO notify HMRC when major changes in your business take place - changes must be notified within thirty days

DO retain records for the last six years - these could be demanded by law

DO obtain and keep VAT invoices - these are your authority to claim back VAT on supplies made to you

DO charge VAT on supplies to your staff

DO charge VAT on any equipment or vehicles (except motor cars) that you sell or part-exchange

DO account for VAT on fuel used for private motoring using the appropriate scale charge

DON’T claim the VAT paid on the purchase of a motor car - it is not recoverable except in some very special cases

DON’T claim the VAT paid on goods or services used for private purposes. Where there is an element of private use (e.g. telephone) an appropriate percentage should be claimed. Special arrangements apply to private use of petrol (see above)

DON’T claim the VAT paid on business entertaining, except in relation to overseas customers

DON’T forget to account for VAT on inter-company charges, unless both companies are part of a VAT group registration

DON'T be late with filing or paying your online VAT 100 Returns or filing your EC sales list declaration. If you do penalties may ensue

DON’T charge VAT on the transfer of a business as a going concern (make sure contracts incorporate appropriate VAT provisions)